Family Dogs
Which Dog Breed Ranks Highest for Families with Children?
No single breed ranks highest. Labs, Goldens, and multigenerational Australian Labradoodles are all strong choices for families. The calm parents, early socialization, and good supervision behind a dog matter more than the breed name.
What actually makes a dog good with kids?
We would love to tell you one breed wins. The honest answer is that the individual dog matters more than the breed. Research on thousands of dogs has found that breed explains only a small part of how any one dog behaves. So here is what to look for instead:
- Calm, friendly parents. Meet them if you can.
- A good size for your kids. Medium dogs are often the easiest with small children.
- Early socialization. Puppies who meet kids, noise, and handling early handle a busy house better.
- Moderate energy. A dog who can settle is easier around little ones.
- A family ready to supervise. This one is on us, not the dog.
Which breeds do families usually choose?
Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are popular for good reasons. They are friendly and patient. However, they shed a lot. Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles give you a similar friendly temperament with a low-shedding coat, which matters if anyone in the house has allergies. First-cross doodles can be great dogs too, but coat and temperament are harder to predict.
Why do we raise our puppies around kids?
We have three kids, and they help socialize every litter. Puppies hear kid noise, get handled gently, and learn early that small people are part of life. We also follow Puppy Culture, and at 6 weeks, puppies can also meet more kids at an optional socialization event at Dig Dig for Kids in Anderson.
How do you keep kids and dogs safe together?
Children are the most common victims of dog bites, and most bites come from a dog the child knows. That is not a reason to skip a dog. It is a reason to set a few house rules from day one:
- Always superviseYoung kids and dogs should not be left alone together, even for a minute.
- Let a resting dog restTeach kids not to bother a dog who is eating, sleeping, or in his crate.
- Teach gentle handsNo hugging around the neck, climbing on, or pulling ears and tails.
- Give the dog an escapeA crate or gated room where he can go to be left alone.
- Watch for stress signalsLip licking, yawning, turning away, or showing the whites of his eyes mean he needs a break.
When is the next litter?
Puppies go home at 8 weeks old. Click here to see when our next litters are due.
Common questions about dogs and young kids
What is the best dog breed for families with young kids?
There is no single best breed. Labs, Goldens, and multigenerational Australian Labradoodles are all popular choices. The parents, the individual puppy, and how the dog is raised and supervised matter more than the breed.
Are Australian Labradoodles good with toddlers?
They are usually gentle and patient. However, toddlers and dogs should always be supervised together, whatever the breed.
Should I get a puppy or an adult dog with young kids?
Either can work. A puppy takes more time and patience. An adult dog lets you see the temperament up front.
What size dog is best with small kids?
A medium dog is often easiest. Very small dogs can be hurt by rough handling, and very large dogs can knock toddlers over.
Want to see our puppies with our kids?
Meet our parent dogs and apply when you are ready.
Related reading: are Australian Labradoodles cuddly? and what is an Australian Labradoodle?
Sources
- Morrill K, et al. (2022). Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics challenges popular breed stereotypes. Science 376(6592).
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Dog bite prevention resources.